Thanks for clarification, Max! Of course, you do realize I will now take this new info and rationalize it to give myself permission to eat extra helpings of gelati. ;)

Anyway, as I found out ‘Gelati’ simply means ‘frozen stuff.’ Apparently Catherine de Medici, of Florence, introduced this novelty to the French and the luscious fad then took off in Europe.

They say gelati is less fattening than ice-cream, seeing as it is made with water or milk (but loads of sugar, natch) rather than cream or buttermilk. So there is 50-60% less butterfat and a third fewer calories.

Also — you’re right — gelati generally has 35% less air than ice cream, which means you get a dense and extremely flavorful product that melts faster.

I highly recommend Gelato Bar on Tujunga in Studio City!!

These Italians seem to have the best Ice Cream and pasta.

I once went rather close to midnight and on that occasion they let us enjoy our gelato at the table as the place was not crowded.